Monday, November 08, 2010

Hosting Gig » Sample Wedding Reception Script for the Instant Emcee

I missed sharing this wedding I attended last month where Winz, my former officemate and a friend asked me to be their wedding emcee. This is certainly an honor but it comes with quite a burden of responsibility. Unlike my first hosting gig at JR’s wedding, where JR provided his own wedding script for us, Winz didn’t.

Myself together with a friend already accepted the task to be the master of ceremonies for the wedding reception. Hence, we don’t have any choice but to prepare for it. The problem is we haven’t had any time sitting down with the couple to discuss the plans.

Consequently, the day before the wedding, I was obliged to cram the whole afternoon into preparing the wedding script. Of, course I consulted Mr. Google for some ideas and was amazed to find out that I’m not the only one who is into this dilemma. A lot of friend-of-the-couple-turned-emcee is also looking for sample emcee script or guide.

Below is the sample script we used for Winz’ wedding – It’s a good thing no major disaster happened and I guess the reception ended smoothly. I’m posting the sample script here for my personal reference just in case another friend will ask me again to be their wedding host – Pero next time may bayad na – ha ha.

So, for those who already accepted the hosting task and at a lost, I want to share here the basic wedding program and the sample script I prepared. Hopefully it will help you too.

_______________________

Introduction

Host A: YodiHost B: Atty. Rhesa

A: Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. May I have your attention please.

B: We are about to begin our Dinner Reception so please find a seat and make yourself comfortable.

A: Let us begin this celebration with a prayer. Let us all stand, bow down our heads and put ourselves in the presence of God.

B: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1. Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Love has been your richest and greatest gift to this world. Love between a man and a woman which matures into marriage. Today, we celebrate that love. Lord for the joy of this occasion, we thank You. For Your presence here and now and at all times, we thank You. Protect, guide, and bless Rannie and Wincell and everyone present here. Surround us with Your love now and always. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

2. Welcome Address

A: A very good evening to everyone and welcome to Rannie and Wincell’s Dinner Reception. We are done with the solemn part of the celebration and we thank those people who were with us earlier at the Nuestra Señora de Guia Church for the wedding ceremony.

B: And for those who just join in, Welcome! And so, here we are on this lovely reception at the Rosas Garden Hotel for the most exciting part - the Dinner Reception for our newlyweds in celebration of the beginning of their new life together.

A: So sit down, relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.

I am Mr. Yodi Insigne and my partner Ms. Rhesa Regio, the newly wed’s friends had been given the task by the bride herself to be your emcee for tonight. We thank you all for gracing this joyful occasion especially to those who took a leave of absence from work or from school and to those who have traveled from the province just to be with us.

B: In behalf of Rannie and Wincell and their parents, we would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for your presence at this memorable occasion. It is indeed a pleasure to have you all tonight

3. Introduction and Acknowledgements

Parents of the Newlyweds

A: Before anything else, we would like to acknowledge the key persons who took a great part of this joyous affair. For without their support, this event would not be made possible. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure to introduce to you the Parents of the Bride, Mr. Winefredo Majaba and Mrs. Aracelie Majaba.

They just arrived from Marinduque we suppose. Sir, Madam, welcome. A big round of applause please.

B: And of course, we are truly happy to have here with us Mrs. Paz Sollano the mother of the Groom. And of course we are sure Mr. Jose Sollano is also very happy watching his son’s wedding in heaven. Friends, let us give them a big hands.

Principal Sponsors

{Provide short background info for each sponsor}

A: We would also like to acknowledge our Principal Sponsors. Let’s start off with the ladies. Please stand as your name is called.

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, our most distinguished set of principal sponsors.

A: Thank you for being with us tonight. Let us once again give them a big round of applause.

Family and Friends / Guests

B: A wedding brings two people and their families together. It refreshes the family ties and friendship that have gone stale and almost forgotten against the toll of time and distance. For this allow us to give a very special welcome to all who have traveled all the way from the province to be here with us today. Thank you for taking the time out to be with us.

A: Also we would like to thank all the relatives and friends who are here with us. We are so happy that you can be with us.

So I guess that’s about it. On behalf of Rannie and Wincell, we would like to thank you all for coming tonight.

4. Entrance of the Bride and Groom

B: At this point I assume that everyone has settled down and we are all ready to welcome the newlyweds. Tonight calls for a grand celebration and it is our distinct pleasure to introduce to you for the very first time Rannie and Wincell as husband and wife.

A: So without any further ado, let us all rise and give our warmest welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Rannie Sollano........ Music Maestro

(Newlyweds enters the hall)

B: Congratulations Rannie and Wincell and best wishes to both of you. We wish you to be blessed with a long and happy life together with your future children.

A: So there you have it ladies and gentlemen our new lovely couple. Let us again give them a big round of applause.

5. Dove Release

B: The bride and groom will now do the dove release. May I request the newly weds to please come forward and each get a dove.

A: The two doves signify Rannie and Wincell being released to start a new journey together. Like the two pairs of dove, whatever happens they will always try to seek the comfort of each other and their home together. This is where they know that they will find love A dove always choose one mate for life, and signify love, faithfulness, joy, and hope,

B: Rannie and Wincell are now ready so we will now release the doves. At the count of three release the doves. Ready when you are. One... Two... Three... and... off they go!!! That was really beautiful.

6. Bridal Waltz First Dance

B: Tonight is indeed a special night and will forever be etched in the memory of our beloved couple. For tonight marks the beginning of their new life together. From this day forward they shall be one, and on this joyful beginning what could be more fitting than to celebrate it with their First Dance.

A: The First Dance is symbolic of the consummation of their wedding vows. This Dance is the wedding couples' first cooperative engagement and joint endeavor. As the saying goes, “It takes two to tango.” Ladies and gentlemen, it is once again my privilege to present to you Mr and Mrs Rannie Sollano with their First Dance.

(Newlyweds dances their First Dance)

B: Thank you Rannie and Wincell, Let us once again give them a big round of applause .

7. Grace Before Meals

B: Well I guess the food is now ready and dinner will commence shortly. May I call on __________________________ to say the grace before meals.

(______________________comes forward to say grace before meals)

8. Dinner

A: Thank you _____________________. So there you have it ladies and gentleman.

B: Dinner is served. You are all hereby invited to partake dinner. You may now get your food at the buffet table. . Please enjoy your meal. And always, "ladies first"

9. Table Hopping for Souvenir Pictures

A: May I have your attention please, I guess by now everyone had their fill of our sumptuous food prepared by __________________________. We would like to thank Rosas Garden Hotel for the wonderful accommodation and service that they are providing us here.

B: At this point the newlyweds would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone personally for your presence. Rannie and Wincell will now go from one table to another to greet each and everyone and to have their souvenir picture taking with their guests.

A: Simultaneously, our Matron of Honor assisted with some members of the bridal entourage will be distributing the wedding giveaways and will be routing the guest book so please stand by in your seats.

10. Cutting of the Wedding Cake

B: We will now resume with our program. and its time for desert. We have here a beautiful wedding cake.

A: May I now request Rannie and Wincell to do the honors of cutting the wedding cake.

(Newlyweds comes forward to cut the cake.)

{optional} --- There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the cake has been cut. May I now request the waiters to please serve the cake to our guests.

(Waiters serves the cake to the guest.)

11. Best Man's Toast to the Bride and the Groom

B: A celebration is never complete without a toast and a bottle of good wine. Let us now prepare for the Best Man’s Toast to the bride and the groom. .

A: Ladies and gentlemen, it takes a strong and intelligent man to realize his dreams and achieve his goals in life and love. A man that is not afraid to live life to its fullest and embrace what is truly important. Their best man is here to talk about Rannie and Wincell, two people who have come together today to form a union that will surely last forever.

(INSTRUCTIONS:Best Man raises his glass and addresses the newlyweds as he speaks...)

Best Man: Wincell you look wonderful. Rannie is lucky to have found such a wonderful gal to share his life with. I'm truly honored that they have chosen me to be their best man on this most important day of their lives. I wish you both peace and happiness in your new life together and may God bless your union.

(INSTRUCTIONS:Best Man still raising his glass and addresses the guests as he speaks...)

Everyone let us all stand and raise your glasses and join me in for a toast to Rannie and Wincell.

(INSTRUCTIONS: Best Man waits for everyone to stand up and see to it that everyone has raised their glasses and them say…)

Here’s to good health, happiness, good luck and prosperity to Rannie and Wincell. Cheers!!!

(Everyone makes a toasts and drinks from their glasses)

B: Thank you ladies and gentlemen, you may now be seated.

12. Well Wishes from Family and Friends

B: It is said that our parents are our first teachers having raised us patiently from childhood to adulthood. They have been our source of comfort, support and inspiration.

A: Rannie and Wincell are truly blessed with such wonderful parents and I’m quite sure when it comes to knowing what marriage is all about, they always have a word or two to share to their children.

B: We would like to call on the Mother of the Bride, Mrs. Aracelie Majaba to say a few words of wisdom and best wishes to our newlyweds

{mother blah blah}

Thank you so much Madam for that inspiring message.

A: And now we would like to call on the Mother of the Groom, Mrs. Paz Sollano to say a few words of wisdom to our newlyweds.

{mother blah blah}

B: Thank you Ma’m. In behalf of our male principal sponsors, we would like to call on ___________________ to say a few words to Rannie and Wincell.

{Call anybody who wants to give a message}

Thank you. Last but certainly not the least, we now call on _____________________ to say a few words to Rannie and Wincell in behalf of the female principal sponsors.

A: Thank you Madam, and thank you all...lets us again give them a big hand for such wonderful and meaningful speeches.

13. Bouquet Throw

B: Ok now let us all have some fun and its time for the traditional Bouquet Throw.

A: At this point we would like to request all the single ladies to please come forward for the bouquet throw. We would also like to request the bride to come forward and take her place center stage.

B: Ladies kindly take your place behind the bride and be prepared to catch the bouquet.

A: It is said that whoever will catch the bouquet will soon be the next bride. So is everyone in? Ready when you are - at the count of three the bride will throw her bouquet.

May I also request the audience to please join me in the counting.

Ready when you are ladies. Let us now do the countdown.

One….Two….Three……and there it goes.

B: May I request for the lady who was able to catch the bouquet to please come forward

Congratulations Miss, May I have your name please.

(INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee draws the microphone to the lady .)

Ok let’s give a big hand to Miss ___________. Please have a seat beside the bride and in a moment we shall find your match in the garter Toss.

14. Retrieval of the Garter

B: Before we go on with the Garter Toss, the groom is to retrieve the garter from his bride. So may we request Rannie and Wincell to please come center stage and do the garter retrieval ritual.

(A chair is in the center for the bride to sit. while groom kneels down at the bride's feet ready to retrieve the garter)

Ladies and gentleman the groom will now retrieve the garter from the bride.

(Groom retrieves the garter from the bride.)

A: There you have it ladies and gentlemen; the groom was finally able to retrieve the garter. Let us give him a big hand.

15. Garter Toss

B: Ok it is now the gentlemen's turn and we will now do the garter toss. May I now request all single men to please come forward for the Garter Toss.

(INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee motions and waits for all single men to come forward)

Gentlemen please take you place behind the groom and be ready to catch the garter.

So is everyone ready? At the count of three the groom will throw the garter and again we request the audience to participate in the countdown.

(INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee makes sure that everyone is in place)

Ok ready when you are guys. One….. Two……Three…… and .....off it Goes !!!!

(Groom throws the bouquet and the gentlemen tries to catch it.)

16. Matchmaking Ritual

A: May I request for the gentlemen with the quick hand who now have in his possession the garter.

Sir please come forward and take your place beside the lady who has the bouquet.

A: Now that we have already found a perfect match. The next bride and groom to be. It is time for another ritual.

B: The gentlemen who got the garter is to put it on the lady who caught the bouquet. At this point we would like to request Ms. __ _________to please have a seat while Mr. ___________ will put the garter. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. __________ will now put on the garter on Ms. _________.

(Lady takes a seat while gentleman puts the garter on her.)

A: There you have it ladies and gentlemen. Our new lovely pair and if it would not be too much to ask we would like the gentlemen to give the lady a quick kiss.

B: Thank you Mr. _______ and Ms ________, Let us give them both a big hand

At his point, we request that both of you remain onstage for the picture taking. The newlyweds will now pose with our lovely new pair.

(INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee stands aside as photographers take pictures of the pair with the newlyweds.)

A: Again Thank you Mr. _______ and Ms ________ for your participation, you may now return to your seats.

17. Giving of Tokens

B: We are truly grateful not only for the presence but also the wonderful cooperation of our principal and secondary sponsors as well as the members of the entourage.

A: Rannie and Wincell and their parents would like to express their sincerest gratitude for all their help and support and for making this memorable occasion a great success.

B: We would like to request our Matron of Honor, Ms. __________________ to distribute our tokens of gratitude to both our Principal and Secondary Sponsors and to our guests.

18. Message of Thanks from the Newlyweds

B: The night and this celebration has almost come to an end but for our newlyweds it is just a start of their new life together.

A: As we each go home, may this day be memorable for all of us as it is to them. To personally convey their heartfelt gratitude let us now lend an ear to Rannie and Wincell

(Rannie and Wincell delivers their message of gratitude.)

19. Closing Remarks

B: Well I guess that’s about everything ladies and gentlemen we have finally come to the end of our program.

Thankyou so much for this script hehe. Actually I've used this script before when I was invited as host, that was my first time and now I'm again invited in two weddings so I guess it's because of your prepared script. Haha thankyou so much for sharing your knowledge to us. As a student, it's a big thing for me since I really need to work hard for money, for myself and for my family. GODBLESS po hehe.

Yes, they really exist. They are really there, the demons and spirits of Mt. Cristobal, the Devil’s Mountain. So I climbed this mount...

About the Blogger

Yodi Insigne is one of those delusional sorts who imagines himself a useful contributor to the greater blogosphere (Well, that's what he's trying to accomplish).

He started blogging for three reasons:

1. He always felt he has something important to say,
2. Books can make him cry, and cliff jumping can make him high,
3. He want to sleep at night.

He is a self-certified bookworm, travel junkie, shutterbug, movie freak, Mangyan hiker who sleeps a lot and think a lot. He got a little vice, which is black coffee and cashew nuts. He got colorblindness on yellow and green - and he freaking loves it!